I want to share a sweet treat idea for Valentine’s Day, that’s perfect for the occasion and super easy to make. I’m talking about my recipe for Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats, shaped like hearts. They’re fun, festive, and trust me, they are a big hit with the kids (and adults too!). Let’s get into the details:
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of butter: This is your base for the Rice Krispie treats.
- 1 package (10 oz., about 40) of regular marshmallows or 5-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows. You can use either regular marshmallows or mini ones; they both work great.
- 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal: The classic cereal for this treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract: This gives the treats that yummy strawberry flavor.
- A few drops of red food coloring: This is optional, but it gives that lovely pink hue for Valentine’s Day.
- Sprinkles: Choose some fun, heart-shaped sprinkles for that extra Valentine’s touch.
Equipment:
- A large pot: For melting the butter and marshmallows.
- A spatula: Preferably silicone, for stirring and spreading.
- A heart-shaped cookie cutter: To make those cute heart shapes.
- Parchment paper: To line your pan and prevent sticking.
- A 9×13 inch baking pan: For setting the treats.
Instructions to Make Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats:
- Prep Your Pan: Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the treats once they’re set.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until they’re completely melted. This should take a few minutes.
- Add Strawberry Flavor and Color: Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the strawberry extract and a few drops of red food coloring. Mix it well so the color is even.
- Mix in the Rice Krispies: Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir it well until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mix.
- Spread the Mixture: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula (a little butter on it helps) to press down and spread it evenly. You want a nice, flat surface.
- Cooling Time: Let it cool for about an hour. This is crucial so your treats can set and hold their shape when you cut them.
- Cut into Hearts: Once cooled, use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Press firmly and wiggle it a bit to make sure you get clean edges.
- Add Sprinkles: Before the cutouts fully set, add your heart-shaped sprinkles on top for that festive look. Press them in gently so they stick.
- Serving: You can serve them right away or store them in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! Simple, right? These Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats are not only delicious but also a sweet way to add a little love to your Valentine’s Day celebration. They’re perfect for school parties, road trips, a family treat, or even as a cute gift for friends and neighbors. The kids can help too, which makes it a fun family activity.
You can always tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Some moms like to add a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor, or use chocolate chips for a different twist. The possibilities are endless!
So, give it a try this Valentine’s Day and spread some love with these adorable and tasty treats.
